Is being a teacher really that bad? What are the good points and bad?

Answer 1

I don't think it's bad at all. You have a great schedule and you are off during all the Holidays. How about having all the Summer off? I know you probably have to budget your pay for the summer, but it's a pretty good deal.

Answer 2

Good:

You know your job is one of, if not the most, important job in society.

It's never boring! How many jobs can make this claim?

The kids - if you're able to maintain good classroom discipline and control. Creating and developing the relationships with your kids is wonderful. Seeing their smiling faces every day really makes it worth it. There's no greater feeling than seeing your kids progres throughout the year.

Time off - you do benefit from a schedule that includes many holidays (so do government workers and other professions too) and about two months off in summer. However, many teachers must go to school to keep their credential up to date.

You are your own boss in the classroom. Although it varies from place to place, you have control of what/how you teach and manage your classroom.

Supportive and appreciative parents. They can really make your year wonderful! Statistics prove that a school's success is directly correlated to parental involvement and support.

Teachers' Union - While most in the general public despise the teachers' union, it's one of the "perks" you get once you earn tenure. Basically, you are entitled to "due process" in regard to job security as opposed to just being fired (ie if a parent or administrator doesn't like you). However, I believe this hardly makes up for many of the "Bad" items below!

Bad:

Poor pay, especially when compared to other professions that require similar levels of education.

In the United States, teachers are generally not respected by society.

Schedule can be murder on your bladder! Unlike many other jobs, you can't just leave a classroom full of kids to go to the bathroom. You have to wait until recess, lunch, prep etc. I have no idea how pregnant teachers make it through the day.

Long hours. Many teachers I know put in 60+ hours a week, not counting work brought home, staff meetings, committee meetings, parent conferences, and other adjunct duties. The misconception that teachers are part time workers is very frustrating. A teacher works as much as, if not more, than a full time 40 hour/week worker it's just that it's compressed into 10 months.

Politics of education. Again, very frustrating when people that have little or no experience in education making educational policies (ie politicians).

Non-supportive parents. Whether they don't agree with your educational style or just don't seem to care about their child's education. Perhaps what's most frustrating is the teacher is held accountable for a student's academic and social progress but parents are not even though parents play a large role too.

Most teachers have to provide classroom supplies out of their OWN pockets. I spend at least $1000 a year to supplement my classroom. Newer teachers often spend much more.


Despite all the bad things about teaching, it's a fantastic job!

Answer 3

It depends on where you are a teacher. You see, in some areas teaching is great because the parents take an active role and make sure the kids do what they are suppose to do. In other areas, the teachers suffer because they are always wrong and the parents are not supportive. My wife has been a teacher for eight years and has been in both situations.

I only hope if you are going into teaching, you work at a school where the parents are active and involved, the kids are there to learn and not hang out, and administration supports their teachers.

Answer 4

I've been a teacher for over 10 years now. It's a wonderful job, especially if your a mom and enjoy being with children. I find the main benefit is being able to have a career yet still having time to spend with your family.
People may think that teaching is an 'easy' job and honestly, it can be...just like any other job, it's what you put into it. If you want to sit on your desk all day long and get paid for it, you can...but will never enjoy the rewards of really making a difference in children's lives.
The drawbacks of being a teacher is if you really want to make a positive difference in the way children think and act...you have to work your butt off and it can be stressful. I find it can be emotionally draining at times when you realize how many children today suffer from domestic violence, drugs, abuse....etc. etc..etc.

Overall, if your the type of person who wants to see positive changes in society for the future, you enjoy children and teaching...take it up! It's awesome!

Answer 5

Pros:
You aren't ever alone during the work day. There are teachers next door to reinforce you. The prinicipal is just one press of the intercom away. All of this if your class gets out of hand.

You get to influence children's lives and minds.

You are just one stop along the kid's educational highway.

Let's face it, you are the boss of the classroom! A sense of power and control never hurt anyone!

You get several months off during the summer. (Those of us in or close to getting into corporate America don't have that luxury.)

Cons:
The pay bites! Barely enough to make a living off of.

You have to deal with grumpy, hard-headed parents sometimes when you have a student that is a brat or a class clown.

You sometimes have to take your work home with you some of the time. (Grading papers and what-not.)


I could continue, but as you can see the pros and cons are about 50-50. If it is your inspiration, none of what is mentioned above should deter you from the classroom.

Hope this helps!

Answer 6

Personally, I hated it. I taught 4th grade and was frustrated at the amount of time that I had to spend disciplining students, dealing with irrational parents, and going to pointless meetings.

I loved it when I formed relationships with my students and I felt good about being a role model to them and am fairly certain that I had a lasting impact on several of my students. (in a good way!)

It's a lot of work, a lot of time, a ton of stress, some tears, and frustration. But it's also full of great moments and can be very rewarding.

I'd say whether or not you enjoy teaching depends on your personality type, where you teach, and your administration and school atmosphere.

Good luck if you decide to pursue it. Teachers are special people.

Answer 7

The worst thing about teaching is that you have to teach to standardized tests. Your kids are constantly being tested and if they don't score well you are blamed, no matter how hard you've tried to help the kid. If you are given a low class, have apathetic parents or apathetic children you aren't given any slack if they don't test well. You are given constant HELL if the kids don't test well.

Teaching, at least in Texas, is all about the test.

But, other than that, everything else is great. Kids say the darndest things, and it is so fun to hear the really bright, creative things they come up with.

Answer 8

Being a teacher has its rewards. It is a difficult job being demanding on your time and you can get very stressed and burned out.

If I didn't have to deal with administrators that were against teachers and some teachers with attitudes, I would have fully loved my teaching career.

My students were the best and I can say I will never forget them. They changed my life as much as I changed theirs.

Answer 9

Lily 1982 obviously doesn't know any good teachers. Yes I get holiday off but not paid, summer are NOT paid and I work more hours than the "average Joe" as she put it..... I get 50 minutes of prep. time. That is time to go to the bathroom and then prep for 110 students, correct their papers and get work ready for the next day. Get it...... I do most of my work at home at night and on weekends. Get to know a good teacher and you will know someone who works their *** off because they care and love what they do.

Answer 10

depends on the age/class level u r teaching n the subject as well. The $$ does not always = the hard work, but seeing n eventually knowing that u contributed/lead them to their success r the ultimate pleasure n rewards! Heard many teachers raving about "my x-student is now THE ........... " etc. with much pride

Answer 11

If You are not a child molester. Then teaching is good. It's just that so many teachers, like priests, are molesters. Are you a woman? Then I think you will be a wonderful teacher! It is just the horrible MEN who ruin it for everyone. they should all be rounded up and killed! Yes. I have issues!